Communication networks at heart of Finland's security and economic growth - interim review charts progress of TUUTTI project

On 28 January 2026, the Ministry of Transport and Communications published an interim review of the project on security and new economic growth from communication networks, known as the TUUTTI project. The review outlines the project's progress and presents the key findings to date.

The TUUTTI project will define Finland's ambitious and internationally unique policy approaches for developing a secure communications network infrastructure to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness through digitalisation up to 2037.

Finland has previously prepared a strategic plan for traditional infrastructure such as roads, rail, water and aviation, known as Transport 12. A corresponding policy paper will now be drawn up for communications infrastructure with lighter administrative processes.

The project seeks to ensure that Finland's communications policy continues to promote the positive development of communications networks and digitalisation in the years ahead. A secure and reliable communications infrastructure is essential investment that Finland considers sustainable, growth in data economy and user confidence.

"Communications networks are basic building blocks of everyday life. Public authorities and businesses work together to ensure that people in Finland have good, secure and affordable phone and internet connections. Communications infrastructure must provide the stable and secure foundation we need for building economic growth," says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

"This interim review comes at exactly the right time, in the middle of global geopolitical turbulence when Finland must stay focused and keep a cool head. Finland is already in the world-class league when it comes to communications networks, but we cannot afford to become complacent because complacency slows development. Finland is strong, but we have some way to go yet. Through the TUUTTI project we are ensuring that Finland stays at the top, that our communications infrastructure serves people better in their daily lives and that it drives economic growth," Minister Ranne says.

Communications networks in Finland are comprehensive but need a boost

The review assesses the current state of Finland's communication networks. Finland remains among the leading countries for the quality and coverage of mobile networks, and the coverage of 5G networks is at a high international level. However, access to communication services and high-speed connections remains a key issue, particularly in sparsely populated areas.

In recent years telecom operators have invested significantly in fixed broadband networks. In many areas the basic fibre infrastructure is modern, but access to fibre connections remains below that of the other Nordic countries and varies considerably between regions.

Space services complement and reinforce other communications networks, and their role in network reliability is growing. The space sector ecosystem in Finland is expanding rapidly, but at the same time Finland is heavily dependent on international systems.

Four priorities to ensure growth and security

The TUUTTI project has identified four priorities for further preparation:

1. Strengthening network security, resilience and security of supply

Communications network development must systematically take into account backup connections, multi-route backbone networks, satellite solutions, supply chain transparency and the impacts of disruptive technologies. In addition, the structural weaknesses and critical dependencies of the networks must be identified.

2. Boosting the development and rollout of fibre and data infrastructure

With regard to broadband support policies and national implementation of EU regulations, the focus of communications network development should especially be on areas where market-driven construction alone is insufficient but where digital services and business operations call for high-speed connections.

Legislation, planning and permit processes should support joint construction and cost-effective implementation processes.

3. Harnessing mobile networks, 6G and the space sector as drivers of growth

In future, focus should be particularly on experiments and pilots using 5G and 6G networks, space services and AI in business and industry, logistics, energy and security sectors. The aim is to identify solutions that could be widely taken into use in Finland as well as in the EU and NATO. In space sector development, international cooperation plays an important role in piloting and experimenting.

It is also important to influence the technical standards for key technologies in Finland. In particular, decisions on the standardisation of 6G technology will shape network and service development in the 2030s.

4. Creating a predictable regulatory and skills environment that attracts investment

There is a lot of regulation and guidance involved in communications networks, space activities and the data economy. The emphasis should be on consistent implementation of legislation, reducing administrative burdens, and strengthening an investment-friendly and predictable operating environment for example through early preparation of licence periods. In preparing regulation, a balance is sought between reducing the regulatory burden and introducing new obligations.

EU legislation and international standards largely determine the operating environment for communications networks, highlighting the importance of active EU engagement and global cooperation.

Shortage of skilled workers poses a major risk to achieving the security and growth objectives related to communications networks.

What's next?

The ministerial working group on social transformation discussed the interim review on 27 January 2026.

The first phase of the TUUTTI project will be completed in spring 2026. To conclude the first phase, a status report will be published, along with objectives for the next phase and short-term concrete action requirements.

More information on the progress and on the opportunities to participate will be provided during spring 2026.

Inquiries:

Kristiina Lappalainen, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 34 2004, [email protected]